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--Matthew 1 tells the story of Joseph and the birth of Christ, while Luke 1-2 tells Mary's story.
--Gabriel appeared to Mary, Mary's cousin's husband, Zacharias, and Daniel (in the Old Testament - see Daniel 8:16 and 9:21). Angels are messengers sent from our Heavenly Father.
--Luke is writing his detailed and full account of the birth of Christ to his friend Theophilus. (Luke 1:1-4)
--To be 'taxed' as used in Luke 2 is to be taken account of - enrolled or registered.
--For Caesar Augustus, he did not call for the world to be taxed, but his world which is was empire.
--Luke 2:7 states that there was no room for Joseph and Mary in the inn, but we know that it should read, "inns." --The wise men saw the Christ child when he was about 2 years old. The number of wise men is actually not known, we get the three from the three gifts.
--By having both educated men who could have audience with a king and also shepherds, Heavenly Father prepared that people from all walks of life could hear of Christ's birth and Divinity.
--Frankincense 'was imported into Judaea from Arabia. It was an ingredient in the holy incense for sacrificial purposes and was highly valued as a perfume.' (Bible Dictionary, page 676)
--Myrrh was used 'as a perfume and for embalming. It was obtained from various thorny shrubs of the dry districts of Arabia and eastern Africa.' (Bible Dictionary, page 736)
--Myrrh was used 'as a perfume and for embalming. It was obtained from various thorny shrubs of the dry districts of Arabia and eastern Africa.' (Bible Dictionary, page 736)